Biographical Description for The HistoryMakers® Video Oral History with Ken Page PERSON Page, Ken , 1954- Alternative Names: Page, Ken , 1954-; Life Dates: January 20, 1954- Place of Birth: St. Louis, Missouri Residence: Los Angeles, CA Occupations: Actor; Biographical Note Actor Ken Page was born on January 20, 1954 in St. Louis, Missouri. He was raised by his mother and step-father, Gloria and Garvin Gilstrap. As a youth, he attended St. Louis’ St. Bridget of Erin and St. Nicholas Elementary Schools. While attending St. Nicholas, Page was inspired by the founder of the school’s speech club, Sister Ruth Cecilia, and his older cousin to pursue a career in theater. In 1973, he graduated from Bishop Dubourg High School where he received special training in theatrical arts. In 1973, Ken Page received a full scholarship to attend Fontbonne College located in Clayton, Missouri where he majored in theater. While attending Fontbonne College, he was cast in his first paid role as “Stewpot” in a theatrical production of "South Pacific," a musical that featured Frank Sutton, Mary Travers, and Theresa Merrit. A year later, Page moved to New York, where he began working with the Fanfare Children’s Ensemble. While performing with the Fanfare Children's Ensemble, he made appearances as Jim in a production of "Huck Finn." He also worked with the Amas Repertory Theatre and the Henry Street Settlement, starring in the musicals "Ragtime Blues" and "Louis." Ken Page made his Broadway debut in 1976 starring in an all black revival of "Guys and Dolls." Then in 1977, he played the role of the Lion in the hit musical "The Wiz." In 1978, Page would later go on to be featured as an original cast member in the Fats Waller musical revue "Ain’t Misbehavin’" and was subsequently awarded the Drama Desk Award for his performance. He would later duplicate this performance in an NBC television special and in Paris, France. In 1982, Page originated the role of Old Deuteronomy in the Broadway production of "Cats" and repeated his performance in a PBS version of the play. During the 1980s, Page made appearances in several films and file:///C|/Users/dj/Desktop/New%20folder%20(2)/EAC/A2008_074_Page_Ken_EAC.html[4/30/2012 11:58:03 AM] television sitcoms including "Gimme A Break" (1984); "Sable" (1987); "Torch Song Trilogy" (1988) and " Polly " (1989). He continued his work in the entertainment industry during the 1990s and was hired to appear in such television shows as "Family Matters" (1990); "South Central" (1994) and "Touched By An Angel" (1995). In 2000, Page starred in the Broadway show "Ain’t Nothin’ But The Blues," and in 2006, he was hired as cast member in the musical film "DreamGirls ." Ken Page was interviewed by "The HistoryMakers" on April 4, 2008. Related Entries Gilstrap, Gloria [CHILDOF] Mother Gilstrap, Garvin [] Stepfather Jones, Robert Lee [CHILDOF] Father Page, George Edward [] Uncle (M) Page, Margaret Rose [] Aunt Page, Lizzie [] Aunt Page, Hazel [] Aunt Page, Q.T. [GRANDCHILDOF] Grandmother (M) Rose, May [] Great-aunt Page, George H. [GRANDCHILDOF] Grandfather (M) Jones, Benjamin [GRANDCHILDOF] Grandfather (P) Gates, Elliot [] Half brother Gray, Denise [] Half-Sister Bishop DuBourg High School [STUDENTOF] [from ? to 1973] St. Bridget of Erin Elementary School [STUDENTOF] [from ? to 1973] St. Nicholas Elementary School [STUDENTOF] file:///C|/Users/dj/Desktop/New%20folder%20(2)/EAC/A2008_074_Page_Ken_EAC.html[4/30/2012 11:58:03 AM] [from ? to ?] Central Catholic Saint Nicholas School and Academy [STUDENTOF] [from ? to ?] Central Catholic Saint Nicholas School and Academy [STUDENTOF] [from ? to ?] AMAS Repertory Theatre (New York, N.Y.) [EMPLOYEEOF] [from ? to ?] Actor Municipal Theatre Association of St. Louis. Municipal Opera Orchestra [EMPLOYEEOF] [from 1973 to ?] Actor 46th Street Theatre (New York, N.Y.) [EMPLOYEEOF] [from 1976 to ?] Actor The Manhattan Theater Club [EMPLOYEEOF] [from 1978 to ?] Actor NBC Television Network [EMPLOYEEOF] [from 1984 to ?] Actor ABC [EMPLOYEEOF] [from 1987 to ?] Actor NBC Television Network [EMPLOYEEOF] [from 1989 to ?] Actor Goldcrest Films and Television [EMPLOYEEOF] [from 1989 to ?] Voice Actor Warner Brothers [EMPLOYEEOF] [from 1990 to ?] Actor Prince Edward Theatre [EMPLOYEEOF] [from 1991 to ?] Actor Touchstone Pictures [EMPLOYEEOF] [from 1993 to ?] file:///C|/Users/dj/Desktop/New%20folder%20(2)/EAC/A2008_074_Page_Ken_EAC.html[4/30/2012 11:58:03 AM] Actor La Jolla Playhouse, Inc. [EMPLOYEEOF] [from 1993 to ?] Actor Goodman Theatre (Chicago, Ill.) [EMPLOYEEOF] [from 1993 to ?] Actor Fox Broadcasting Company [EMPLOYEEOF] [from 1994 to ?] Actor CBS Paramount Network Television (Firm) [EMPLOYEEOF] [from 1995 to ?] Actor Dreamworks Pictures and Paramount Pictures Corporation [EMPLOYEEOF] [from 2006 to ?] Actor The Broadway Theatre [EMPLOYEEOF] [from 1975 to ?] Actor Winter Garden Theatre [EMPLOYEEOF] [from 1982 to ?] Actor [MEMBEROF] file:///C|/Users/dj/Desktop/New%20folder%20(2)/EAC/A2008_074_Page_Ken_EAC.html[4/30/2012 11:58:03 AM].